Saints' Williams, Hayes each sign with Southeastern CC

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on June 10, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

WHITEVILLE -- A small school nestled in a rural area wouldn't appeal to many baseball players.

But if you love the game and are an avid fishermen, then Southeastern Community College provides the best of both worlds. At least that's how Southern Wayne teammates Kevin Williams and Jackson Hayes felt after they visited the perennial junior college powerhouse.

Each has signed a national letter-of-intent to play at SECC next fall.

The Rams came within one victory of advancing to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series this past spring. Their season ended with a 9-2 loss to Pasco Hernandez (Fla.) CC in the Southeast District Championship game.

"Hayes and Williams will help us fill some gaps by being able to come right in and start on the mound for us, as well as play middle infield, freeing up guys that we have returning from last year's team to give us some additional late-inning depth," said Southeastern head coach Scott Johnson, whose team logged a 25-20-1 worksheet on the diamond in 2014.

"(They) have the ability to step right in and keep the winning tradition going."

Forced into a leadership role this season, Williams and Hayes guided a young team that also adjusted to a new head coach -- Jackson Massey. The Saints amassed eight wins and stunned Coastal champion Jacksonville, 1-0, in opening-round play of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A playoffs.

The team endured seven defeats by two runs or less.

The disappointed setbacks undoubtedly tested Hayes and Williams' respective mentalities, but neither surrendered to frustration. Hayes compiled a 4-8 record against a brutal schedule that included outings against traditional 4-A juggernauts J.H. Rose, D.H. Conley, South Central and New Bern.

Williams batted . 280 and handled the catching duties for the second straight season. He moved behind the plate during his junior year after starter Ashton Cox suffered a season-ending injury.

"Southeastern is a perfect fit for them," Massey said. "Jackson is going to give you his best whenever he steps out on the mound. He's going to be a bulldog for them ... go out there and battle for however long he's out there.

"Kevin is going to be a leader on the team. He's a grinder. He's not the biggest, not the fastest, not the strongest but he definitely gives more than enough every time he steps on the field. They're two genuine players who love the game of baseball and are going to contribute whenever their number is called."

Hayes admitted he struggled with hitting his spots at times on the bump. A right-hander who likes to pitch in reverse, he tries to set up opposing hitters with off-speed stuff and zip a fastball over the plate later in the count.

Sometimes the strategy works.

"Not many hitters can hit curveballs in high school," Hayes said.

Williams, like Hayes, chose SECC for its large teacher-to-student ratio and said he could succeed in that kind of classroom setting. The other advantage is becoming an all-around player, which could increase his options to play beyond junior college.

"It will give me more time to grow and in two years I'll be a better ballplayer where maybe I can go to a bigger school," said Williams, who received attention from the University of Mount Olive, Wake Tech and Brunswick CC.

"I'm definitely going to have to be a little stronger and get bigger. I think my skill level is there. I know how to play the game and I understand what goes on in certain situations."

When they're not in the classroom or on the diamond, Hayes and Williams plan to scout out quality fishing spots.

"We love to fish," a grinning Williams said.